Future Biotechnologists: Inspiring students and widening access to the life sciences
Fostering the next generation of the world's most dynamic life science problem-solvers, innovators and inventors in the United Kingdom
Future Biotechnologists is a charity that aims to inspire students to consider a career in the life science sector by making real connections between volunteers in local life science companies and students in local schools and colleges. We show students that the life science sector is one of the most rewarding, dynamic and interesting sectors they can join for a long-term career.
Our activities are designed to widen access to all parts of the community by ensuring that participation is free for everyone. We have an exciting range of programmes rolling out over the next year.
See below a selection of those programmes. Check in later to see the new programmes or email us on hello@futurebiotechnologists.org to be put on the mailing list for updates.
Deep interactions
Through our programmes students interact with experts and scientists in the life sciences.
Widening access
We prioritise access in all our programmes to disadvantaged and minority communities.
BioInnovators Challenge 2026
Challenging students from across the country
Real world skills The objective of the Challenge is to engage school students (ages 14–17) across the UK in real-world biotechnology and pharmaceutical problem-solving and innovation through hands-on investigation and creative skills. It aims to equip students with scientific, investigative, team working and presentational skills.
The competition starts with an online inspiration/onboarding session and continues with team projects, the best of which are then entered into regional and national finals.
Local mentoring and support At all stages schools are provided with support, guidance and mentorship from young scientists, biotech entrepreneurs and pharma professionals locally.
In-person national final Regional winners will be invited to participate in national final at a major UK life sciences venue. Judging will be done by panels of teachers, academic and industry scientists and sponsor representatives. Finalists will present to the judges in a “BioInnovation Pitch/Dragons Den” format.
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Inspiring students
We inspire students to consider a career in the life science sector by making real connections between volunteers in local life science companies and students in local schools and colleges.
The London Programme
Partnering to create a difference for disadvantaged students in inner London
The Programme enables young people in London (ages 14–19) to learn about emerging next-generation convergent technologies (artificial intelligence, robotics, drones) and opens a window into career pathways in high-growth industries. The Programme hosts online and in-person events in schools and colleges in disadvantaged parts of inner London, connecting students with mentors and employers.
A core element of the London Programme is to engage students in practical challenges and activities.
Volunteers and experts with relevant expertise, will help guide the students through practical activities and challenges. At the end the students will be asked to give presentations to volunteers from the sector and teachers from participating schools.
Challenges may include the simulation of a clinical trial to get students to understand how new treatments get tested, evaluated and judged or training a computer model to recognize objects or emotions using machine learning or artificial intelligence.
Making a difference to London
The Programme empowers disadvantaged inner-London communities in Camden, Hackney, Lambeth, Lewisham, Islington, Newham, Paddington (Westminster) and Southwark.
Empowering London communities
The London Programme focuses on inspiring and informing London students about converging and emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, robotics and drone technologies.
Career carousels
Engaging students with volunteers from the life science community
We hold career carousel events in schools across the country to bring together students and volunteers from local life science companies. Previous events were held in Holton (Oxfordshire), Cambridge, Pinner and Leytonstone. These events have proved very popular with students, teachers and volunteers. The event in Holton was described by Rebecca Vaughan, Careers & Work Experience lead at Lord Williams's School as: "...the best external careers event I've attended (of which there have been quite a lot over 12 years!)."
One student who attended the Leytonstone event said: "It was a phenomenal experience as I was able to find my dream job. It was really a life-changing experience."
Another said: "The event I attended today was an incredibly interesting event. All of the scientists were very friendly, and shared their ideas, knowledge, research and experiences in a way that all of us involved found something of interest. I also found it intriguing because it broadened my perspective of the people involved in the world of science."
Contact us if you would like to find out hosting a career carousel in your school or college or volunteering to participate in future events.
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At the cutting end of convergence and emerging technologies
Our programmes introduce students to emerging technologies thar span the life sciences, technology and high tech engineering including artificial intelligence, robotics, drones, wearable devices and material sciences.